Graduated from a Direct Entry Program?

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 19, 2006

hello, lovingpecola,

after graduation, the advanced practice nurse usually in most all states must wait until all proper paperwork is filed and accepted by the state in which he/she will practice. also, one must pass the certification examination for their specialty. this normally takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

many individuals who are graduated from the de program work as rns in other areas while waiting for the np licensure to be completed.

lovingpecola · Feb 19, 2006

Thanks! That leads me to more questions...how are people selecting a state to be certified in *before* having a job in that state? This means you can not go where the jobs are - instead you pick a state of certification and then wait for a job opening? How does this work if you participate in NHSC, where you really don't know what state you will work in until you interview and get hired for the job? Does this mean that you are "hired" 3 months before you actually *start*...I am going for CNM, btw...

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 19, 2006

Certification has nothing to do with the state. Certification is a national exam/event.

Once the individual is certified in their specialty, any state/s will allow you to seek employment. Some applicants will seek employment prior to certification and may have a job "waiting" on them before successfully passing the exam.

And, one must bear in mind these employers are going to be looking for the best applicant. One who actually has prior experience as an RN as well as the proper education for NP and passing the certification examination. Many many factors are involved for the successful procurement of a position.

Also, in order to secure a DEA number, most NPs will have to work at least 6 months before acquiring this.

lovingpecola · Feb 19, 2006

Thanks!

What's a DEA number?

Are there any new grads lurking who are on their first jobs after direct entry??? I'd love some feedback from folks who have just completed a program and are in their first job!

No one in direct entry would have had a whole lot of experience before applying, and everyone can't be unemployed??!! :mad:

LP

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 19, 2006

DEA=Drug Enforcement Administration

The APN who wishes to prescribe must get a number issued by this agency. Application will be through the BON of the state in which she/he works.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 20, 2006

You must first secure an RN license in the state where you wish to work, or have found an employer. Then you begin the process of licensing and registration as an Advanced Practice RN. This involves passing the National Certification exam for your specialty, getting a license to prescribe by the Board of Pharmacy for that state, as well as the DEA number for prescribing narcotics.............any type.

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I have been an RN for too many years to count, I have worked with grads that have gotten their BSN thru an accelerated program, but not one NP that was in a fast-track program for the direct entry MSN. Any of the facilities that I have worked in want the NP to have a few years of experience before they will even consider them. And I work with NPs all of the time. Actually discussed this at lunch the other day with a few friends that are in NP programs, that have just gotten their RN int he past few years, and each said that there is no way that they would have considered the direct entry NP program, and they were available to them when they started their programs.

Something to consider. I am definitely nevver negative to nurses and will go out of my way to help, but check out the job situation in your area. Just because you see job postings, find out what the requirements are for the position. You normally would not go to an intern that has hung out a shingle for your medical care, why would you expect less of an RN? You would expect them to have the proper skills, and you only get those with experience. They are not something that you learn instantly. You learn to pick up things like a 6th sense, that as a newbie you woul not have even thought of.

lovingpecola · Feb 20, 2006

I find the last post to be a little offensive. I did not pose my very simple question in order to debate people's personal opinions about the value of DE programs, or whether or not one has ever worked with a DE NP before. I was simply asking new NPs to tell what their first jobs were and whether they liked them. Therefore, I withdraw my question and will go back to an area of the forum where DE students are welcome.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 20, 2006

Sorry, if you are taking my post as offenisve, but what I am trying to explain to you, yes, there are jobs posted, and for all over. But check out the requirements of experience for the position. This is where you are going to have issue.

I have friends that are NPs all over the country, and there are quite a few that returned to the bedside, because they were making more doing that then they could as an NP. I am just saying do your homework.

And I received my nursing training in inner city Detroit, and worked there for years, as well as other major cities in the US, and you are going to find that the inner city health departments have more stringent requirements than other areas because of the population that is treated, more problems. I am just saying do your homework first, and find out the job requirements, they are going to be different that I am sure that you expect.

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 20, 2006

lovingpecola
I was simply asking new NPs to tell what their first jobs were and whether they liked them.

I'm somewhat confused now??? You asked specifically about DE NPs.....

Many DE NPs are not working in the advanced practice role. They are returning to bedside nursing for they lack the proper experience as RN that is necessary to work in the expanded role and secure the NP position. The NP who stands the best chance to be hired is the one with adequate preparatory RN experience.

elizabells, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2006

I'm somewhat confused now??? You asked specifically about DE NPs.....
Many DE NPs are not working in the advanced practice role. They are returning to bedside nursing for they lack the proper experience as RN that is necessary to work in the expanded role and secure the NP position. The NP who stands the best chance to be hired is the one with adequate preparatory RN experience.

loving, I will try to talk to some folks who have graduated from my program. In NY, I'm told that CNMs do have some trouble, but it may be different in other states. Can you ask your school (Yale, right?) to put you in contact with some people? Keep in mind that some of these programs have been around for 20+ years. If DE NPs were either massively unsafe (as some claim) or totally unhireable, we'd know. Also, I know a number of women in my program who have decided to work in between (i.e., take time off after licensure) who had initially planned on going straight through. So don't stress too much. You'll find the way. Just keep an open mind about the future.

lovingpecola · Feb 24, 2006

I pm'd you.